The Best Trails State Award was presented to the State of Florida-Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways & Trails on November 17th, 2008, during the National Trails Symposium in Little Rock, Arkansas. This first ever “Best Trails State Award” presented by American Trails recognizes Florida’s success in facilitating an outstanding statewide system of trails.

Florida has embraced the value of greenways and trails with an enthusiasm and level of quality that is a model for the nation”, said Bob Searns, Chairman of the Board of Directors for American Trails.  “Exemplary programs like the Office of Greenways and Trails online trails database and regional trails forums have set a standard.  Local and regional projects are delivering a first class infrastructure for residents and an example for tourists to take back home.”

Following its legislative mandate, the Office of Greenways & Trails (OGT) has played a lead role in working to establish a statewide system of greenways and trails including master planning, legislation, funding, and program implementation. OGT has entered into many forms of partnerships to accomplish the planning, acquisition, development and management required to bring greenways and trails projects to reality. For all that OGT and its partners have achieved in furthering the establishment and expansion of the state’s trails network during the past two years, Florida has been honored as the inaugural recipient of this award.

American Trails is the only national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests. Since 1988, American Trails has made it a part of its mission to promote cooperation among user groups and pursue a national infrastructure of trails and greenways that serves a full range of activities.